Celebrating the beauty of God's grace

[This is the nineteenth post about the Blessed Hope–the return of Jesus Christ (Offense and Hatred)]

How many of us can think of The Three Stooges without cracking a smile? Who can forget Mo with his bossy sarcasm, Larry with creamy pie on his face, or Curly getting himself into a pickle and coming back with quirky retorts like, “I resemble that remark!”

Would a show like The Three Stooges even make it onto television in today’s politically correct environment? Don’t think so.

Not only are people easily offended, the offended one responds with unforgiveness and spite. Is there ever talk of clearing the air, apology, forgiveness, or reconciliation?

Instead, those with opposing opinions butt heads like two clashing goats, caught in attack and counter-attack. Push forward and push-back.

What ever happened to letting things roll off your back? Or walking away and treating yourself to a chocolate sundae? What about taking the high road? That way of thinking doesn’t seem to be around anymore.

Jesus warned us that civil society would crumble as the day of His return draws near.

His words are to the point: “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Matthew 24:10, nkjv).

The word “hate” has almost become a buzzword. Many believe that the quickest way to silence someone who has an opinion different from yours is to label them a “hater.”

If a minister preaches on verses from the Bible that touch a sore spot of conscience, that sermon is labeled “hate speech.”

Yet if a Hollywood actor takes the podium and curses the President with vulgar profanity, the entertainment community gives him a standing ovation. Those who spew vitriol and hate are only revealing the darkness inside of them.

“. . .for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45b, nkjv).

On the flip side, the same passage teaches, “A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good” (Luke 6:45a, nkjv).

Photo by Stokpic on Pexels.com

So we have a choice: to turn aside hatred and to speak healing words when we have a chance.

We can take a stand as the Holy Spirit leads while being careful not to add fuel to the fire.

As the day of our Blessed Hope draws near, Christians should be thankful that we have been forgiven.

“For we ourselves were also once . . . living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared . . . according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5, nkjv).